Video above, Alderman David Moore introducing Ephraim Martin

In pictures below BHM Chairman Ephraim Martin speaks at the unveiling of DuSable Lake Shore Drive signs as Mayor Lightfoot, Alderman Moore and Alderman King, who  spoke earlier, look on. .As Martin says thank to the three the Mayor and Alderman Moore gave each other a fist bump. 

Photos by John Bridges.

It was a momentous occasion on Thursday afternoon, October 21, 2021 at the Buckingham Fountain on the Chicago Lakefront, when the social justice cause fought for by Jamaican-born, Ephraim Martin- Black Heroes Matter (BHM) Coalition and ordinance sponsors Alderpersons David Moore and Sophia King to rename Lake Shore Drive was declared victorious with the official unveiling of the Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive signs.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony were: Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Alderman David Moore, Alderman Sophia King, BHM Chair Ephraim Martin, and CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi.

Video below is with the full speeches (on order) of Alderman King, Mayor Lightfoot, Alderman Moore, BHM Chairman Martin, and CDOT Commissioner Biagi. 

Above, Mayor Lightfoot speaks as Alderman Moore and Chairman Martin look on. Below, Alderman Moore, Mayor Lightfoot, Alderman King and BHM chairman Ephraim Martin display souvenir signs.  Photos by John Bridges.

In the 1770’s, while there were indigenous people scattered throughout Illinois on the land now known as Chicago, it was a man from the Caribbean country of Haiti, Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable who journeyed up the Mississippi river, worked his way to a conjunction of a river and Lake Michigan to start a trading business and thus establish what is now the country's third largest city.

However, this man DuSable, the founder of the city of Chicago, was never properly acknowledged or given his full respect of a street, a major monument, or a full city holiday. For more than 100 years people have been pushing for full respect for this great Black man, with little or no success.

Below Aderman king speaks at the  DuSable LS Drive signs installation, as the other speakers left to right: Alderman Moore, Mayor Lightfoot, BHM Chair Martin and Commissioner Biagi look on. Photo by John Bridges.

"Martin's International, since 1993, has been highlighting DuSable's issues at its various special events, such as the Chicago Music Awards, the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), the African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL) and other special events, calling for an End to Systemic Racism, full respect for DuSable- a major street, major Monument and a full Holiday, for DuSable.

However, it was last year’s public murder of George Floyd  that forced us to the streets, and at our July 4th rally and march, joined forces with Aldermen Moore and King, the ordinance sponsors to make DuSable Lake Shore Drive a reality, and telling the world that Chicago is not just ready for change but is setting the country on the path to end System Racism, to the point where other major cities are now following our lead and honoring DuSable," Mr. Martin said. 

"For more than 100 years our people have been calling for an end to Systemic Racism, DuSable’s justice, and full recognition for the father of this great city, a man from the Caribbean country of Haiti, but their cries fell on deaf ears.

 Today, must be considered the great beginning for social change and for better tomorrow for our youth and others.

 We are all immensely grateful to have provided leadership in making this one step toward a more inclusive Chicago and thus a better America." Mr. Martin concluded. 

Photos below: BHM Coalition members with the Mayor and Alderpersons; also BHM members with their customized DuSable Lake Shore Drive  banner.

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Above city worker installs DuSable LS Drive sign, as Alderman Moore (left)  is seen with his Mother and friends, then below Alderman Moore gave his remarks. . Further below BHM Political chair, Justice Shelvin L. M. Hall is with BHM member Maria Ihekwaba.

All photos by John Bridges.